Ecclesiastes 9:4

For, whosoever was united to all the living, for him, there was hope,—inasmuch as, a living dog, fared better than a dead lion.

The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham

In The King James Version

For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

In Context

3This was a misfortune in all that was done under the sun, that, one destiny, had they all,—yea also, the heart of the sons of men, was full of wickedness, and, madness, was in their heart, while they lived, and, after that, [they went] unto the dead.

5For, the living, knew that they should die,—but, the dead, knew not, anything, neither had they any longer a reward, because forgotten was their memory.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 9

Cross References

Job 27:8For what shall be the hope of the impious, though he graspeth with greed, when GOD shall draw forth his soul?

Lamentations 3:21This, will I bring back to my heart, therefore, will I hope.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 9:2-4

Mysteries in Providence. 1 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. 2 All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. 3 This… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 9:4